The forum described the killings of innocdent civilians as a coordinated act of ethnic cleansing and a deliberate campaign of terror.
The Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum has reacted to the massacre of over 200 people in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The apex socio-cultural group of the Idoma people said what is going on in the state is ethnic cleansing.
The forum described the killings of innocdent civilians as a coordinated act of ethnic cleansing and a deliberate campaign of terror.
In a statement dated issued on Monday and jointly signed by its President-General and Paul Edeh, Secretary, the Idoma socio-cultural body decried the brutal assault allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, noting that many victims were burned alive in their sleep.
The statement declared that the attack was not an isolated event but part of a sustained, targeted campaign against the people of Benue State.
“The cold-blooded murder of children, women, and elders in their homes, on farms, and even in IDP camps is a crime against humanity,” the group said.
Ochetoha K’Idoma expressed solidarity with the Tiv Nation, the Benue State Government, and the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Ayatse, while commending the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers for their historic declaration ordering Fulani herders still engaging in open grazing to vacate the state.
The forum warned that continued silence from federal authorities was emboldening attackers, as credible intelligence now points to imminent attacks in Agatu, Gwer West, Gwer East, Apa, and Otukpo LGAs. Specific communities, including Okpamaju, Odudaje, Aondona, Emichi, and Otobi Akpa, were listed as high-risk targets.
“We cannot continue to bury our loved ones while authorities issue empty statements and delay urgent interventions,” the group warned.